Events

MINSK, 11 August (BelTA) – The documents with Pakistan will be ratified on a priority basis, Speaker of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus Vladimir Andreichenko said as he met with Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif on 11 August, BelTA informs.

According to the Speaker, Belarus attaches special attention to the development of inter-parliamentary cooperation. “In the run-up to the Fourth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament which is due in New York in early September I would be glad to meet with the Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan,” he said adding that Belarus also expects a visit of a parliamentary delegation from Pakistan. “Intensification of inter-parliamentary cooperation will add momentum to trade and economic cooperation between the two countries. The House of Representatives will take under its control the implementation of interstate procedures related to the documents signed with Pakistan. All international documents that are subject to ratification will be considered on a priority basis,” the Speaker said.

He underlined a qualitatively new level of relations between Belarus and Pakistan, a direct trust-based dialogue at the highest level that laid solid foundation for bilateral cooperation. “Our countries have many common interests which points to the similarity of positions, including on the international agenda. Belarus-Pakistan cooperation within the United Nations Organization is well-balanced and constructive. The two countries oppose the use of human rights issues as an instrument of political pressure on a sovereign state,” said Vladimir Andreichenko. He is confident that consistent expansion of such support in every issue of mutual interest will help the two countries to successfully defend their interests in the UN and in other international formats – the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Inter-Parliamentary Union.

Vladimir Andreichenko also stressed that a working group on cooperation with the Parliament of Pakistan had been set up in the National Assembly of Belarus. The Speaker expressed hope that this initiative would find support in Pakistan. “We are ready to cooperate with the executive authorities and Pakistani counterparts in order to contribute to further development of relations between our countries. The economic sector is a priority here,” he said. According to the Speaker, Belarus is interested in expanding cooperation in industry, energy, setting up joint manufactures in pharmacology, information and communication technologies.

According to the Speaker, expansion of cooperation in education and culture is equally important. As for the education area, Belarus invites Pakistan to use its considerable experience in training foreign specialists in its educational establishments. “We are ready to welcome Pakistani citizens at our medical universalities and military educational establishments. We offer include internship, skills upgrading and retraining programs,” Vladimir Andreichenko added.

“In all these projects you can count on our support,” the Speaker of the House of Representatives said.